EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette women's soccer team returned to College Hill on Thursday in preparation for its season and home opener on Aug. 25 against Manhattan at noon. The Leopards will play two scrimmages prior to the official start, when they host Iona on Aug. 12 in a 2 p.m. kick off and on the road against Bryant on Aug. 18.

Directed by eighth year head coach Mick Statham and 2013 team captain Catherine Galgano, the Maroon and White will attempt to return to the Patriot League Tournament after missing out on the postseason a year ago. Lafayette returns seven starters from last year’s squad and brings nine rookies into the fold.

Friday morning marked the first training session for the 2013 Leopards and the team will have a pair of workouts on Saturday and Sunday prior to Monday’s test with Iona.

The 2013 Patriot League women's soccer preseason poll will be announced next week, in addition to the League's Preseason All-Patriot League Team and Preseason Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year awards. Check back to GoLeopards.com for more coverage of the team as it readies for the 2013 season.

Lafayette Athletics, as a partner in the mission of the College, provides an incredibly effective learning experience for student-athletes through competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Lafayette sponsors 23 varsity sports with more than 600 student-athletes.